Hazel F. Bowen, 91

Hazel F. Bowen, 91, of Lewes, Del., passed away peacefully at home Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Bowen raised her children in Reedville, Va. During World War II, while her husband served in the Pacific with the U.S. Army, she worked for the U.S. Naval Proving Grounds in Dahlgren, Va., manufacturing ammunition, explosives and armaments for the war effort.

After moving to Salisbury, Md., in the 1960s, Bowen enjoyed working with young brides at Royal Formal and Bridal Shop for more than 20 years. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Elks Lodge member, a participant of the After Lunch Bunch and active member of Zion United Methodist Church Women’s Auxiliary, all in Salisbury. After retiring to Lewes, she became a member of the Henlopen Grange.

Bowen was often found on her new home’s porch, enjoying the sounds of summer and the shade of the trees. Bowen was known to enjoy camping and traveling with her children, grandchildren and extended family, Roxie Rogers and Alyson Triglia. She also enjoyed friends, family and neighbors in the Lewes community.

Bowen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward A. and Hazel L. (Miller) Fleet, and her loving husband, Capt. William E. Bowen Jr., in 1987. She is survived by her son, William E. Bowen III and his wife, Margaret, of Griswold, Conn.; two daughters, Judith Richardson and her husband, Lee, of Ocean City, Md., and Mary Lou Elrod and her husband, Michael, of Lewes; six grandchildren, Edward A. Bowen and his wife, Anne, of Salem, Conn., Christopher M. Bowen and his wife, Traci, of Mystic, Conn., Matthew J. Gladding of Seaford, Todd Richardson and his wife, Cheryl, of Salisbury, Md., Kelley Nance and her husband, Michael, of Salisbury, Md., and Katie Elrod of Lewes; 11 grandchildren, Kate, Nicki, Mark, Jack, Phoebe and Luke Bowen and Kate, Miller, Murphy, David and Jameson Gladding.

Private services were scheduled for Jan. 14, 2012, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, with a public service at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, both in Lewes, Del. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels; 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Hwy.; Lewes, DE 19958, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.